Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo Episode 12 Discussion

Deserada said:
Are the producers going to play off that last scene and reset Mashiro and Kanda's relationship, or are they actually going to treat it like a confession scene and move forward with their relationship?

I'm not going to read and find out, but if it turns into a Shakugan no Shana romance I won't be very happy.

Shiveron said:
Just picked this show up yesterday and finished catching up today. So... damn... good. Sorata better not act like an embarrassed little bitch the rest of the series though. He already knows he loves her, and she loves him (though she's just starting to understand it), so god dammit quit freaking out every time something romantic happens. That's the one and only thing I dislike so far, though that seems to be a common theme in most romance any more.

Shinichi- said:
The thing is when is the next ep released? which group subs it? last ep was the 24th december!

bastek66 said:

Every anime had break this week.
http://countdown.mandragon.info/

Shinichi- said:

^this website is the best thing that ever happened to my life. thanks!

Lelouch22 said:
This was a terrific episode; easily the best since the fourth, since it served as a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to this arc. As a whole, this episode was thoroughly well-paced, largely due to the immense improvement within it’s ability to balance it’s dichotomous elements, as the focus rarely lingered on a particular emotion or development beyond what was necessary. As such, the developments within this episode were handled with a skillful deftness that was quite satisfying, particularly exemplary in the final sequence, as each woven subtlety allowed for a thorough illumination of the complex emotions that surrounded Mashiro’s realization of love. Though quite predictable, the latter half of this episode was consistently fantastic and a considerable improvement over the first half, which, though still pretty good, was largely focused on the introductory aspects of their occasionally monotonous presentation of the Nyaboron anime.

The final scene was a sweetly emotional conclusion to the episode, since Mashiro finally acknowledged her feelings for Sorata as love, which, aside from considerable growth for Mashiro’s slowly-developing character, was a very satisfying note to conclude the episode and this arc on. Hopefully, now that this has occurred, their eventual relationship won’t be repetitiously stalled throughout the latter half, especially if it’s in favor of ridiculously unnecessary and tedious triangle antics. Aside from the final scene, which was very well-executed, my favorite sequence was Sorata and Mashiro’s hug, as it was essentially an initial realization by both that they have feelings for one another. It also illustrated Sorata’s partial dependency on Mashiro, which hadn’t been noticeably depicted until this episode.

The subtly romantic and excellently simplistic opening sequence, in which, as a direct continuation from the end of the previous episode, Mashiro lays next to Sorata and, due to his evolving feelings for her, he internally struggles with the impending possibility of her leaving him, was great, as it effectively established the wistfully romantic atmosphere that permeated the rest of the episode. As such, Sorata and Mashiro’s relationship was portrayed in such an excellent and superbly satisfying manner throughout this episode, particularly during the highly effective final sequence. Their refreshingly nuanced and methodical development, along with their exceedingly beautiful interactions, really elevate this element of the show beyond mere mediocrity. This episode essentially illuminated their eventual romance as a certain and lasting inevitability. I’m only hoping, though altogether foolishly, that their newly experienced romantic inclinations won’t be entirely reverted by the next episode, as it, unfortunately, seems quite likely that Sorata will remain oblivious throughout much of the show.

I greatly enjoyed the slightly heightened focus on Misaki and Jin’s rather complex, but seemingly inevitable relationship, as it progressed immensely in this episode, specifically illuminated by the moment Jin gives her the necklace he had once bought on his “date” with Mashiro, as it indicates that he might actually begin to relinquish his perpetual hesitancy towards entering a relationship with the only one he seems to truly love. Ryuunosuke and Rita’s interactions have been really enjoyable throughout the last two episodes, culminating with their excellently simplistic kiss prior to her departure. As such, I’m really looking forward to their continued relationship development, since their extensively contrasting personalities have superbly complemented the occasionally quirky nature of their romantic sensibilities. The implied relationship between Chihiro and the game designer is a surprisingly compelling addition to the narrative, so a heightened insight into their romantic, yet seemingly complicated, past together would be great, as it would provide some opportunity for a certain level of development for Chihiro’s character.

Aoyama has increasingly become a thoroughly inconsequential character, since, following the fourth episode, she seems to be largely used for repetitive fanservice and intermittent jealousy. This flaw could have been remedied entirely in this episode, but, of course, Miyahara simply had to be rejected solely so that the show can continue to perpetuate the illusory mirage of Aoyama’s involvement within the “triangle” as something even remotely important, when, in fact, it’s nothing of the sort, since her feelings for Sorata will inevitably remain unrequited. As such, the stagnancy and near non-existence of her development has become increasingly apparent throughout the latter half of this arc, which is understandable, since the other characters are far more interesting and integral to the larger narrative. Of course, I prefer this approach, as it isolates an already pointless character, but an attempt to layer her dreadfully miniscule characterization would be appreciated. Essentially, her portrayal has consistently been illustrated as some sort of third wheel; a glorified plot device that effectively exists in order to tangentially compel Mashiro and Sorata’s romantic relationship into existence. I did, however, like that Aoyama was fully willing to assist in Sorata’s attempts to convey his feelings to Mashiro, so it would seem like a considerably unnecessary misdirection if she’s only going to fully return to her tsundere affectations or resume clinging onto her “love” for Sorata in the near future.

The production values remain quite impressive, particularly the animation, which was much improved throughout this episode, especially over the last two. The direction was pretty great throughout, especially during the final sequence, which was beautifully shot and creatively framed, displayed most notably by the moment the plane swiftly passed by in the background and her “confession” was isolated against the wind. The visuals, for the most part, really complement the nature of the story, as the colorful aesthetic typically accentuates the lighthearted atmosphere. Musically, this episode was quite good, since, above all, it was less repetitious than in the past. The comedy was also greatly effective throughout, save for Misaki’s exaggerated driving. The altered Ed was nice.

All in all, despite it’s inconsistency, Sakurasou remains one of the most surprising shows of the past year, particularly impressing with the thoroughly engaging interactions that suffuse each episode, along with the relatively intriguing story and the narrative execution. This episode served as a fantastic, highly satisfying conclusion to the first arc, since it drew upon a plethora of foreshadowed emotions and climactic developments, such as Mashiro and Sorata’s hug, Rita and Ryuunosuke’s kiss, and Mashiro‘s realized love. The narrative has been consistently compelling throughout the show, but it had noticeably faltered into a certain monotony and listlessness that was quite disappointing throughout several of the episodes that preceded this. Thankfully, however, this episode illustrated a departure from the excessively dramatic and tedious developments that had occurred throughout the latter half of this arc. However, I slightly dread what’s to immediately come, since it seems disappointingly likely that, as it’s going to continue for another twelve episodes, Aoyama will be elevated to a third wheel once again just so that some inevitably pointless drama could be filtered into the narrative.

bastek66 said:

Lelouch22 said:
This was a terrific episode; easily the best since the fourth, since it served as a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to this arc. As a whole, this episode was thoroughly well-paced, largely due to the immense improvement within it’s ability to balance it’s dichotomous elements... etc etc etc

cladinpink said:
The interaction between Chihiro and that unknown guy was intriguing.

I hope this means we'll get to learn a little more about her in the coming episodes!

Laciie said:
THISWASSOCUTEMASHIRONWHYAREYOUSOCUTECANNOTCOHERENTWHATIDKASLKDJFTHISEPISODETHISSHOWICAN'TIAMSODONEWITHTHISSHOW.

ADSKFJALSD

Well this episode was the best yet.